Counseling and Student Personnel (MS) Professional School Counseling K-12

Summary

The Professional School Counseling program prepares individuals for careers as school counselors in K-12 schools. Areas of training include individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and classroom developmental guidance, all of which are designed to foster the personal, educational, and career development of K-12 students. Particular emphasis is placed on the professional school counselor's role in enhancing the mental health of children and adolescents, as well as the early identification of potential mental health concerns among K-12 students. Training in the use various appraisal instruments, research data, and consultation strategies is also provided.Adding Areas to Existing LicensureThe Professional School Counseling program makes efforts, on a space-available basis, to respond to the needs of current licensed practitioners who wish to add additional grade-level areas to an existing school counselor license. Consultation with program faculty is required to determine specific coursework necessary to fulfill licensure requirements.The Minnesota Board of Teaching allows individuals with existing master's degrees to take coursework in a school counseling program leading to licensure in the field. Such individuals should consult with a member of the Professional School Counseling Program as to the number of courses required to lead to licensure by the state of Minnesota. Licensure for Non-EducatorsThe Minnesota Board of Teaching allows individuals without teaching licenses to take coursework in a school counseling program leading to licensure in the field.Individuals without a teaching license or experience are strongly recommended to take coursework in the teaching sciences during their studies in the Professional School Counseling Program. Course selection should only be undertaken in consultation with an advisor. Evidence of such coursework on a non-teacher licensed individual's transcript and resumé provides evidence of efforts to familiarize oneself with K-12 educational strategies and enhances employment prospects in the job market.Special Admission Notice for Professional School Counseling CandidatesDue to the large number of individuals who annually apply to the Professional School Counseling Program, applicants are strongly advised to submit application materials as early as possible. Admission review priority is given to those whose completed files reach the program as soon as possible. Priority is given to those individuals seeking full-time admission.The program is dedicated, as well, to working with the part-time student. All courses in the program are offered at night, late afternoon, or in the summer at least once during each two-year cycle of classes.